Now, It Gets Interesting! with Julia Curran

In this episode, we talk with Wendy Parker, seasoned journalist and editor of East Cobb News, about a career that spans decades of reporting—and a bold pivot that led her to build one of the most important local news outlets in the community. After years working in traditional journalism roles, Wendy took a leap and launched her own independent online publication dedicated to covering the people, issues, and stories shaping a growing and vibrant East Cobb.

In our conversation, Wendy reflects on the dramatic changes that have reshaped journalism and why the future of the industry may actually be more local, not less. She also discusses the ethical responsibilities that come with being a journalist—standards that are increasingly blurred in today’s era of instant, cellphone-driven “do-it-yourself” reporting. 

Wendy shares how she navigated the turning points in her career and why, at a stage in life when many people consider slowing down, she chose instead to start something new. Her philosophy was simple: “If not now, then when?” The result has been a thriving local publication—and a powerful reminder that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.

Thanks for listening! 

Julia 

My guest today is Vicki Maran, Head of Project Management and Client Development at IntelliSeek Investigations. But Vicki didn’t start her career in investigations, and that’s exactly what we explore in this first episode.

Over more than four decades, Vicki’s career has taken a number of unexpected turns across the legal, investigative, and litigation-support worlds. In our conversation, she shares the path that led her to IntelliSeek—how each step along the way built the experience and instincts she brings to her work today. 

It’s a story that reveals when "things got interesting," for Vickie. Her professional pivots, persistence, and a career that rarely followed the straight line she imagined when starting out.

I hope you enjoy our conversation! 

My guest today is Vicki Maran, Head of Project Management and Client Development at IntelliSeek Investigations. But Vicki didn’t start her career in investigations, and that’s exactly what we explore in this first episode.

Over more than four decades, Vicki’s career has taken a number of unexpected turns across the legal, investigative, and litigation-support worlds. In our conversation, she shares the path that led her to IntelliSeek—how each step along the way built the experience and instincts she brings to her work today. 

It’s a story that reveals when "things got interesting," for Vickie. Her professional pivots, persistence, and a career that rarely followed the straight line she imagined when starting out.

I hope you enjoy our conversation! 

Julia Curran

A very quick cheatsheet/summary of all the tips I've shared about looking your best online.  More on Instagram @juliacurranphoto. 

How to find the best light for video conferencing from what you’ve got at home. More on Instagram @juliacurranphoto

Julia Curran Photography

#onlinepersonna #lighting #lookingyourbest #formermodel #photographer #cameras  

In this installment of my series about looking your best while video conferencing, I talk about why turning your camera on is important and how to get use to what you look like. 

The difference between looking amateur and professional in your online presence is camera angle. This one detail can make a big difference. Listen to this episode to learn from magic tricks about camera angles. 

After seeing way too many cluttered backgrounds, I tell you about why it's important to declutter what's behind you. 

Last week I started recording a series on how to look your best online. Here’s my intro! I’m so excited to share.  I’ve seen so many levels (shall we say) of video conferencing presentation over the past four weeks — some are professional and well done, others make me feel like reaching through the camera to turn a light on. I can’t help but share my years of experience about lighting, camera angles and what you should wear. I’m jumping into this series with candor and humor. Let’s go! Find the video series of this podcast here, at Julia Curran Photography on YouTube, or @juliacurranphoto on Instagram.#onlinepersonna #lighting #lookingyourbest #formermodel